South Africa has requested the International Court of Justice to issue emergency orders for Israel to cease what it describes as the “genocidal starvation” of the Palestinian people, citing U.N. warnings of an imminent famine in Gaza.
This request is part of a case filed by South Africa in December accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has denied these allegations, with its foreign ministry urging the court to reject South Africa’s latest request.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lior Haiat, accused South Africa of acting as Hamas’ legal arm to undermine Israel’s right to self-defense and release hostages.
The timeline for the court’s response to the request is unclear. In a previous ruling in the genocide case, the court ordered Israel to prevent genocide by its troops in Gaza and increase humanitarian aid to civilians.
Although the court did not issue an emergency order to stop Israel from sending troops to Rafah, it emphasized the need for Israel to adhere to its initial order to prevent genocide.
The World Court judges have not yet determined if a genocide is occurring in Gaza, but they have implemented temporary measures to protect Palestinian civilians based on the plausibility of the genocide risk.
South Africa’s accusation against Israel includes causing widespread hunger and near-famine conditions in Gaza, leading to malnutrition and deaths among children.
The court’s involvement in the genocide case has brought attention to Israel’s actions in Gaza, despite lacking enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with its orders.
South Africa highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, with aid delivery turning deadly and efforts to discredit UNRWA, the main U.N. agency assisting Palestinian refugees.
The situation in Gaza has worsened since the court’s previous decision, prompting South Africa to urge urgent intervention to prevent further suffering and potential genocide.
Adam Sella contributed reporting.
